Countdown T Minus 6

Oh the thoughts this 40-day experiment stirs up in a near 40-something mother! I have to say, being more deliberate and focused on the needs of others makes me feel — nervous. I talked to a friend this morning and she wondered if the challenge might make her feel consumed — like she might feel compelled to do something really, really big and great each day. I too can imagine the pressure of making this do-gooding action really sing — to do it perfectly, like any Super Formerly 30-something-year-old Super Mom could and should! 

I sure hope that's not the way it works. I don't have super human abilities by any stretch. It is my sincerest hope that perhaps a good daily good deed doesn't have to be grandiose or amazing. Maybe it can be small, and manageable. And meaningful?

Here's another concern: Does grasping for a daily good deed and then blogging about it make this experiment seem boastful or self-seeking or wreak of "lookie-here-over-yonder-at-me?" 

I asked this of a good friend, who will be nameless for now. This gal is one of my favorite moms, a person I hardly see enough of. She is firm in her beliefs, is a real whiz with remembering scripture and she has an awesome sense of humor. Like me, she enjoys keeping up with pop culture and indulging herself in reality television shows from time to time. She digs Housewives humor, and is usually up on the latest, most disgusting, bottom of the barrel new Bravo or TLC show. 

As fun as she is, she was also the person who helped me get real with my faith. She's a good person to approach with questions of this nature.

I rattled off an email to her, and waited. Of course, she came right back with some really good stuff. She encouraged me to pray on these two very different verses:

“When you give a gift to someone in need, don’t shout about it as the hypocrites do – blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I assure you, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone, don’t tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:2-4 NLT)

And...

 

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

She said, "God knows your heart — is your motivation to draw attention to yourself (I doubt that!)? if so - i'd say do it in private. if your motivation is to grow in relationship with Him and spur others on to do good deeds...then I think that is a different story entirely. Do some honest examination...and go from there! keep me posted!"

Don't you love having smart friends who can really break it down for you?!?!